This weekend, we had our first domestic road trip with Alexander. Believe it or not, it was incredibly difficult to pack for just a few days. When we had a weight limit and limited space, it was surprisingly easy to pare down to the essentials. Having abundant clothing, supplies, and space, however, really made it a challenge to decide what we’d need and what was just extra. And the last time I heard, though I can’t actually confirm it on this trip, Peoria does sell baby wipes and diapers just in case we don’t pack enough!
We had an uneventful drive down, with our little man staying away the whole time “la-la”ing to Billy Joel. Alexander has good taste in music! Soon, we were over the river and through the Heights, arriving at grandpa’s and grandma’s new house! It was so good to see them settled into their new home, and Alexander seemed to approve of his guest bedroom.
A few highlights from the weekend:
Grandpa and Alexander discussing the merits of land tax
Entertaining your grandparents is exhausting!
Watching the bison roam at Wildlife Prairie Park
As is tradition in the Kelly family, the youngest was served first.
Alexander and Grandma Amy relaxing before Mass
Alexander insisted that Mr. Clam should be part of the family photo.
As indicated in the post’s title, our big outing was to the Wildlife Prairie Park, just outside of Peoria. It’s a beautiful wooded park and serves as a home to many bison and elk, just to name a few species. Though the park isn’t the most stroller-friendly place, we got a workout pushing the little guy up and down gravel paths. We were grateful that he’s not so mobile yet; our resident Eagle Scout and his father confirmed the presence of a LOT of poison ivy on the trails. We all enjoyed a picnic lunch and some infant puree and called it a day. I didn’t manage to catch the photo, but after we returned home, all the Kelly men took a nap.
Alexander had a fair number of culinary highlights as well– since he’s eating solid food now, we’ve been experimenting. He tried “meat” for the first time along with grandma’s hummus, and just today he had quinoa and leeks. Although I don’t think he caught the hint of terragon (no joke!) in his dinner tonight, I’m thrilled that this kid has quite the open palate (no pun intended!). Next stop, crushed bacon!
Our weekend concluded with meeting great grandpa and grandma Kelly, great grandma and grandma Little, and great Uncle Paul. It was a very full weekend, but judging by Alexander’s snoring every night, our little man continues to prove that he’s a great traveler and loves meeting his new family.
It’s a good thing, kid, because you’ve got a LOT of family now!